French authorities have apprehended Russian tycoon Alexey Kuzmichev and conducted searches at two of his properties over alleged tax evasion, money laundering, and sanctions violations. Kuzmichev, a co-founder of Russia’s Alfa Bank, was sanctioned by the EU due to his connections with the Russian president and support for decision-makers involved in the annexation of Crimea and destabilization of Ukraine.
The searches occurred at Kuzmichev’s Paris residence and a Mediterranean estate in the Var region. He remains in detention but has not been formally charged. Kuzmichev’s lawyer, Philippe Blanchetier, has not provided any comments on the matter.
Last year, French authorities seized Kuzmichev’s 86-foot yacht, La Petite Ourse, as part of the sanctions, leading to a legal battle. Kuzmichev, listed as the 61st richest person in the world by Forbes, sold his stakes in Alfa Bank last year to a non-sanctioned shareholder.
Unlike some sanctioned Russian oligarchs who returned to Russia, Kuzmichev has remained in Europe and, though cautiously, has expressed opposition to the war in Ukraine. The Kremlin stated that Russia would defend Kuzmichev’s rights once Paris provides detailed information about his case, as he is a Russian citizen.
Kuzmichev’s detention and the allegations against him add to the ongoing tensions between Russia and Western countries related to sanctions and the conflict in Ukraine.
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